IFS Internationale Filmschule Koln
An international film school in Cologne, Germany, offering programs in film, television, and digital media with a focus on serial storytelling and European co-production.
Overview
The IFS Internationale Filmschule Koln (ifs) is a film and media school in Cologne, one of Germany's major media centers. Founded in 2000, the school offers programs that span traditional filmmaking, television production, and digital media, reflecting the convergence of these fields in the contemporary entertainment landscape. Cologne is home to numerous German broadcasters and production companies, and the school maintains strong ties to the local and national media industry.
The school is supported by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia's film foundation and cooperates with the TH Koln (University of Applied Sciences), which grants the academic degrees. This partnership gives students access to university resources while studying in a dedicated film and media environment.
The school's curriculum balances creative development with industry readiness, and its programs are designed to produce graduates who can work across film, television, and emerging digital platforms.
Programs Offered
- BA in Film -- undergraduate filmmaking covering directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and editing
- BA in Digital Narratives -- storytelling for digital platforms and interactive media
- MA in Film -- graduate production with specializations across disciplines
- MA in Serial Storytelling -- a program focused on television and serialized content development
- MA in Digital Narratives -- graduate-level digital and interactive storytelling
What Students Should Know
The ifs operates in both German and English depending on the program. The MA in Serial Storytelling, which is one of the school's most distinctive offerings, attracts international students interested in the booming European television market. Prospective students should check language requirements for their specific program of interest.
Cologne's media ecosystem is a genuine asset. The city hosts WDR (one of Germany's largest public broadcasters), RTL Group, and numerous production companies. Students gain access to internships and professional networks that facilitate entry into the German media industry.
Tuition varies by program but is modest by international standards, reflecting the school's semi-public funding structure. Cologne's cost of living is moderate compared to other German cities and significantly lower than London or Paris.
The MA in Serial Storytelling is particularly timely, as European broadcasters and international platforms invest heavily in serialized content produced in Germany and across Europe.
Notable Alumni
IFS graduates work across the German film and television industries, with particular strength in television production, documentary, and digital media.
See Also
For understanding the European television production landscape, see Television Writing Careers. To plan your production workflow, use the Post-Production Timeline Calculator.
